Introduction
In this book, I have summed up how to put your space in order in a way that will change your life forever.
Impossible? A common response and not surprising, considering that almost everyone has experienced a rebound effect at least once, if not multiple times, after tidying.
Have you ever tidied madly, only to find that all too soon your home or workspace is cluttered again? If so, let me share with you the secret of success. Start by discarding. Then organize your space, thoroughly, completely, in one go. If you adopt this approach - the KonMari Method - you'll never revert to clutter again.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
by Marie Kondo
I've always been organized and my house is usually pretty neat, but don't be fooled. If you open my cupboards, closets, or drawers, a beast is lurking. Lately, my social media feeds are full of friends embracing the KonMari Method. They are decluttering, paring down possession to include only items which bring them "joy"... and I am more than a little curious.
The local library's hold list is unbelievably long, so I had the brilliant idea of checking my Florida library for the ebook. It was checked out but, surprisingly, had no holds. I hopped right on it and was able to download the book last night. I'll start reading later this morning as I wait for my car to be serviced.
Here is the goodreads summary:
Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?
Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you properly simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again. Most methods advocate a room-by-room or little-by-little approach, which doom you to pick away at your piles of stuff forever. The KonMari Method, with its revolutionary category-by-category system, leads to lasting results. In fact, none of Kondo’s clients have lapsed (and she still has a three-month waiting list).
With detailed guidance for determining which items in your house “spark joy” (and which don’t), this international bestseller featuring Tokyo’s newest lifestyle phenomenon will help you clear your clutter and enjoy the unique magic of a tidy home—and the calm, motivated mindset it can inspire.Could there be something to this? Would you keep reading?
Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.
Aren't you the clever book forager? Well done.
ReplyDeleteI got on our library's long, long, long waiting list and finally got the book several months later. I read chapter one and thought, I know that, and returned it before reading any more.
Let me know if I should have read on!
Deb - I was pretty pleased with myself for thinking of the FL library ;-)
DeleteI put this on hold within our library system about 3 weeks ago -- 400+ holds on 20 copies.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing much will be common sense, but curious why it has such a draw.
I have huge island in my kitchen that always gets clutter on one corner and when company is coming, I stuff everything in a canvas bag in my closet until I get around sorting through it,,,.LOL
Diane - It does seem like it would be mostly common sense, but she has said a few things that seem kind of strange, too.
DeleteI'm intrigued and looking forward to hearing more ... the trouble is, that I have stuff in closets and drawers that 'brings me joy' but that I never use or just can't bear to part with. I think I'd lapse. :)
ReplyDeleteAudrey - Most of my "stuff" does bring me joy. My closet, however, is another story...
DeleteSo many people I know are reading this one and I just have zero interest (sorry!). I can't imagine using the little free time I have to clean our my closet according to a prescribed method...when I could be reading!! Maybe later in life...
ReplyDeleteSarah - Despite an organized home, I'm starting to think my closet is a disaster area.
DeleteI'm reading it right now. Some of it makes me roll my eyes, but I think there's merit to other parts of it, especially her methods of gathering a category of things all at once and focusing on what to keep rather than what to toss. I have a friend who's started working with her techniques and says it's turning out much better than she expected.
ReplyDeleteAmy - I was rolling my eyes big time through much of the first chapter, but am starting to think there may be something to this. We'll see...
DeleteI absolutely adored this little book! I learned a LOT. Now if I could only apply the things I learned.... ha ha! Seriously though she has great tips and even when some of the book seems kinda out there you know where she's coming from and what she means :D I hope you continue to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I've got to say that her ideas are beginning to grow on me.
DeleteYes, I'd definitely keep reading. I could use some advice on decluttering!
ReplyDeleteDiane - I'm probably going to start with my closet!
DeleteAfter reading about this title on another blog, I picked it up from the.....
ReplyDeleteTopazshell - Will be curious to hear what you make of it.
DeleteThis sounds very useful as well as interesting. I do tend to look at organization projects in small bits. In other words, parts of my home, automobiles, my workspace, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I go it is all or nothing. I am either super organized about something or I am in a disorganized, chaotic mess.
Brian Joseph - She seem to be advocating an all or none approach... don't tackle your closet until you can do it all at once. If that is truly too much, she suggests breaking it down into smaller categories - sweaters, socks, etc.
DeleteI am going to tackle clothing first. Hoping my husband will participate in this little project, too!
I am definitely curious. A couple of years ago, I read a lot of books, fiction and nonfiction, on hoarding, and the dread of that "disease" had me purging books and other items only recently.
ReplyDeleteSo far so good...and while I can't say that the tidying up is "forever," I feel like I'm on the right track. But I have heard mention of this book a lot, so I would want to know more.
Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.
Laurel-Rain Snow - I am far from a hoarder, but things tend to accumulate over the years. There may be something to her method. We'll see.
DeleteI've been seeing and hearing a lot about this book, and her method intrigues me. I'd keep reading!
ReplyDeleteMonica - I'm pretty much committed to finishing the book at this point. We'll see where we go from there.
DeleteI'll be very curious what you think JoAnn! As I was reading it, I wasn't completely sold, but as time as gone on I'm more and more in the "things need to bring me joy" camp. I still need to tackle my kitchen, but I was able to finally bite the bullet to get rid of my kitchen blinds that were so JOYLESS. I've been more mindful about what I'm wearing and it's even trickled down to my books.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted!!! :)
Trish - This book is slowly growing on me. There are things in my closet I haven't worn in years and which certainly do not bring me joy. Hadn't even considered my kitchen, but now that you mention it...
DeleteI really had no interest in this book when I first heard about it, but everyone I know both online and offline are reading it and I'm being worn down. LOL I think I will give it a try. I probably need it. :-)
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline - This book does seem to be everywhere lately. The photos on Instagram are pretty inspiring!
DeleteIn other words, stop being a pack rat. Easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteSuzie Quint - Exactly!!
DeleteI'm on the miles long hold list for this one. I'm very interested in reading this one. Reducing clutter has been my goal this year.
ReplyDeleteLinda - It is so short and such a quick read, that the library hold list should move right along. In the beginning I though she was just wacky, but it's starting to make sense.
DeleteVicki - It seems like many of us are weighed down by all our "stuff". She is presenting another way of looking at things.
ReplyDeleteI actually own this one but I haven't read it yet. I love the idea of keeping things that bring you joy but the whole idea of picking up every item I won is a little daunting. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on this one and total win with the library by the way!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I know what you mean. Some of it seems just a bit much, but the basics make sense.
DeleteI have this book on hold as well!
ReplyDeleteNise' - Hope your wait isn't too long.
DeleteI may try to give this one a go later. Everyone seems to like it! I just had a major decluttering spree couple of months ago, so I'm set for many months. But when I get to the next spree, this one is top of my list.
ReplyDeleteAthira - I am just itching for a good decluttering spree... it's been almost two years for me!
DeleteI might have to read this. A couple of years ago I did a major declutter of the house, but I didn't really get things organized completely (the "I don't know where to put this" stuff is still disorganized).
ReplyDeleteDonna - I haven;t gotten to that part yet, but I think she addresses the "I don't know where to put this" dilemma.
DeleteI would rather have your personal opinion first.. I don't necessarily read a book anymore just because it's on the bestseller list or because everybody else is reading it. From the comments above, I'm not overly enthusiastic about it, but one can always use a few tips to get things in order around the house.
ReplyDeleteJudyMac - At this point, I'm glad it's a borrowed book because much of it seems like common sense. But maybe if you are not an innately organized or tidy person... We'll see how I feel when I'm done.
DeleteI've read bits and pieces of this book and have tackled my dresser and closets, but need to go back through them again now that I have more time. I didn't do the project the way she explained, but I still managed to get rid of a lot of old, dated, worn-out, ill-fitting clothes. My husband even tackled his ties! I've always loved to purge my closets and hope to get the basement in good shape before winter.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you!
P.S. Have you seen Trish's recent post with photos of her closet? That's inspiration!
Les - So much of this seems like common sense to me, but it's good to have a reminder. Our closets are top priority, but I'd really like to do some major purging and reorganizing throughout the house.
DeleteI did see Trish's post - so funny we both mentioned this book the same day. She has inspired me!!
This book did help me with my closet and some of my craft stuff. I still need to do more!
ReplyDeleteBeth F - If I just get through my closets, I'll consider it a success!
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